Free 1988 Ford Mustang VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Ford Mustang VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Ford Mustang VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-character code that identifies the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, playing a crucial role in vehicle identification numbers (VINs). For the 1988 Ford Mustang, the WMI “1FA” signifies that Ford Motor Company, headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, USA, is the manufacturer. This code is integral to understanding a vehicle’s origin, brand, and country of assembly, providing valuable information for registration, service, and historical research. The specific WMI for the Mustang indicates that it is a passenger car assembled in the United States, illustrating the vehicle’s American heritage and Ford’s production location. Thus, the WMI offers a concise yet insightful overview of the vehicle’s manufacturing background.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Ford Mustang

WMI: 1FA

• Model Years Covered: 1981-2004, 2015-2024
• Example VIN: 1FABP41A0JF151136
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Dearborn
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1988 Ford Mustang VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1988 Ford Mustang:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 1988 Ford Mustang VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 1988 Ford Mustang VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 Ford Mustang VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 Ford Mustang Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Ford Mustang

The final 6 characters in a 1988 Ford Mustang’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1988 Ford Mustang VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The vehicle’s model year is indicated as 1988, potentially offering insights into the age and market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Configuration: The Ford Mustang is designated as featuring a convertible/cabriolet body class with an in-line engine configuration, showcasing its design and performance characteristics.
• Engine Details: The engine is specified as a gasoline type with a displacement of 2.3 Liters (140 CI), manufactured by Ford, providing insight into the vehicle’s power and efficiency metrics.
• Number of Doors and Seat Belt Type: The vehicle is equipped with 2 doors and manual seat belts, reflecting its structural design and safety features.
• Fuel Type: The vehicle utilizes gasoline as its primary fuel type, indicating environmental and operational considerations.
• Plant Information: The vehicle is manufactured in Dearborn, Michigan, United States, potentially affecting its collectibility and maintenance based on its origin.
• Vehicle Type and Series: It is classified as a passenger car under the LX series, offering an idea of the vehicle’s market positioning and target audience.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Ford Mustang

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